Beyond Metrics: Ethics-by-Design in Research Information Systems

11 pages•Published: October 19, 2026

Otmane Azeroual, Joachim Schöpfel and Uta Störl

Abstract

Current Research Information Systems (CRIS) have become key infrastructures in universities and research organisations, increasingly shaping research evaluation, strategic decision-making, and resource allocation. Despite their growing influence, research has largely focused on technical and organisational aspects such as interoperability and data quality, while ethical considerations remain underexplored. This paper conceptualises CRIS as value-laden socio-technical systems that embed normative assumptions through data models, metrics, and governance mechanisms. Drawing on information ethics and ethics-by-design, it introduces the eFIS (Ethical Research Information Systems) framework to integrate ethical principles into CRIS design and use. The study is based on a qualitative case study of the HISinOne-RES implementation at the FernUniversität in Hagen (FeU), combining document analysis, system analysis, and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal key ethical challenges, including metric bias, lack of transparency, accountability gaps, and data protection issues. In response, the eFIS framework proposes five core dimensions—transparency, fairness, data protection, accountability, and participation—and operationalises them through practical tools such as checklists, templates, and impact assessments. The paper contributes by positioning CRIS as ethical infrastructures and offering actionable guidance for their responsible implementation.

Keyphrases: ethics by design, governance, responsible research assessment, transparency and accountability

In: Pablo de Castro and Joachim Schöpfel (editors). Proceedings of 17th International Conference on Current Research Information Systems, vol 5, pages 80-90.

Links:	https://easychair.org/publications/paper/T4WcT
	https://doi.org/10.29007/qxm5

BibTeX entry

@inproceedings{CRIS2026:Beyond_Metrics_Ethics_Design,
  author    = {Otmane Azeroual and Joachim Schöpfel and Uta Störl},
  title     = {Beyond Metrics: Ethics-by-Design in Research Information Systems},
  booktitle = {Proceedings of 17th International Conference on Current Research Information Systems},
  editor    = {Pablo de Castro and Joachim Schöpfel},
  series    = {EPiC Series in Technology},
  volume    = {5},
  publisher = {EasyChair},
  bibsource = {EasyChair, https://easychair.org},
  issn      = {2516-2322},
  url       = {/publications/paper/T4WcT},
  doi       = {10.29007/qxm5},
  pages     = {80-90},
  year      = {2026}}

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